Hi, I'm new to this forum but hope that someone can help. I have a 2003 TD5 which I have a problem starting in the cold. I live in the Swiss Alps and when the weather gets below about -8 c the vehicle doesn't like to start. I have had the glow plugs changed and a new battery. Once the car has started there is no problem re-starting it and when the weather is warmer it starts no problem. I have tried leaving a hair dryer running under the bonnet for about 1 hr which seems to do the trick!! Is there something more appropriate on the market to pre-warm the engine? Cheers, Dan.

 

You can get a block heater, most diesels have them already, if not they can be had at a diesel parts supplier or the dealer will have them for sure.
There is also a heater that you can buy that goes into the lower radiator hose and heats up the engine coolant.
Another thing to consider is the condition of the fuel filter and the quality if the fuel, a partially clogged fuel filter or low quailty fuel can cause hard starts when cold.

http://www.roversnorth.com/store/sea...m=block+heater

Just to give you a idea of what I am talking about.

And here is some info on cold weather starting.

http://www.kenlowe.com/pre-heaters/cars/whatwill.html

 

Thanks for the help, I will have a look at those.

 

Keep us posted Dan.

 

I looked at your link to Rovers North for the block heater but they are obviously a 110V supply for you guys and not the 220v that we have here. I traced one on a UK site and gave them a call for more info, the chap didn't know anything about it but called back later. Apparently it was a product only for Canada for their Freelander service vehicles. Anyway the same site can supply the Kenlowe pre-heater unit so I think that is what I shall try. I probably won't get the unit for a few weeks as I shall pick it up next time I'm in the UK but I will let you know how I get on fitting it and well it works.

 

I am betting this might be a problem with your diesel fuel turning into gel due to the cold.

 

Do you park the truck outside or in a garage?
We used to put a simple heater on the ground under the engine and let it run for about an hour and the truck would start up with no problems, this was a Mitsubishi diesel but the same issue with cold starts.

 

x2 on fuel jelling see if you can find some additive that will keep the fuel in a more stable state....

 

Thanks for your comments. The truck is parked out side but the fuel here has an addative in it in the winter and my old van (also diesel) didn't suffer the same problem. I think I will give the Kenlowe unit a try.

 

Are you using an engine oil graded for the cold weather? The oil could be too thick when it's cold for the engine to crank up.